2034 McGraw Avenue
Private home
Every time I photograph this home, I feel like it might be the last. This feeling was especially pertinent this week when I took these shots, as many homes in the neighborhood are currently being demolished.
The neighborhood was once (and recently rechristened) Northwest Goldberg, a name stemming from its proximity to Northwestern High School and Goldberg Elementary School.
Throughout the years, the neighborhood has dramatically changed. Olympia Stadium towered over the community from 1927 until 1987. Lee Plaza awaits redevelopment and continues to rise over acres of single-family homes, duplexes, and vacant lots. Bishop Park now offers Detroiters recreational opportunities, including a new DIY skatepark.
Through all of that, 2034 McGraw has survived. It was built just after the turn of the century and is currently owned by the Detroit Land Bank.
It was occupied as recently as 2013 and suffered a fire around 2015. The brick construction is solid, but the blaze gutted most of the first and second floors. The basement was mostly spared but is in disarray.
Given the dozens of demolitions in the neighborhood this year alone, I expect this structure won’t last much longer. If it does, the least the city could do is ensure it isn’t a haven for illegal dumping.
